The concept of chakras comes from Hinduism and refers to immeasurable energy centers in the body, from the perineum to the aura area, above the head’s crown.
The chakras constitute the basis of one of the forms of complementary therapy of Eastern origin, which in recent years has become popular in the West.
Although the evidence on its safety and efficacy is still limited, it has been recognized for its ability to promote well-being, according to the testimonials of those who have tried these therapies.
For all these reasons, they have aroused the interest of patients and health professionals in different parts of the world. Let’s look at this in more detail below.
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What are and what are the chakras?
Chakra comes from Sanskrit and means “circle” or “disc.” According to Hinduism, the seven chakras are energy centers in different parts of the human body. They function as “valves” regulating the flow of energy, and depending on their location, they vary in their vibratory force and speed.
In this sense, in India, inhaled air (known as prana energy ) is believed to travel through the body, giving strength to the energy centers. Therefore, the chakras receive, accumulate and distribute the prana, to optimize the functions of various body parts.
the seven chakras
As we already mentioned, according to the Hindu tradition, the chakras constitute vital energy centers located along the spine and in the axis of the body.
In a particular way, each one has a specific energy vibration, which governs different aspects of life. The chakra system has 7 points. These are:
- Muladhara, or root chakra, in the coccyx.
- Svadhisthana or sacral chakra .
- Manipura or solar plexus chakra .
- Anahata or heart chakra.
- Vishuddha or throat chakra.
- Ajna or third eye chakra (located between the eyebrows).
- Sahasrara or crown chakra.
What feelings are the seven chakras associated with?
Following the Hindu and Buddhist texts, the seven chakras are associated with specific emotions.
1. Muladhara chakra or root chakra
- It is located between the anus and the genitals.
- The color that identifies it is red.
- His element is earth.
- It is blocked by fear. Therefore, you have to let fears show clearly to release them.
2. Svadhisthana chakra or sacral chakra
- It is located in the sacrum.
- It is associated with the color orange.
- His assigned element is water.
- Guilt blocks it. Hence, you have to get rid of it. And for this, it is necessary to know how to forgive.
3. Manipura chakra or solar plexus chakra
- It is located two finger widths above the navel.
- Its color is yellow.
- Fire is his element.
- It is blocked by shame.
4. Anahata chakra or heart chakra
- It is located in the region of the heart.
- Its color is green.
- His assigned element is air.
- It is blocked by pain.
- It is related to the feelings of the heart.
5. Vishuddha chakra or throat chakra
- It is located in the throat region.
- It corresponds to the color blue.
- His element is ether.
- It is related to communication.
6. Ajna chakra or third eye chakra
- It is located between the two eyes.
- Her color is violet.
- It is associated with intuition and taste.
- It is blocked with the illusion.
7. Sahasrara chakra or crown chakra
- It is located at the crown of the head.
- It corresponds to the color violet or indigo.
- Worldly ties block it.
The chakras and health
As they are producers of energy vortices, the chakras, when they are healthy, provide energy, thanks to which the body’s systems create a global information system, which will affect well-being.
In particular, it is considered that each of the chakras is related to, affects, or influences an organ. In this regard, the following is noted:
- Muladhara – Associated with the adrenal glands.
- Svadhisthana – Associated with the ovaries in women and the testicles in men.
- Manipura: associated with the pancreas
- Anahata: Associated with the thymus.
- Vishuddha – Associated with the thyroid.
- Ajna: Associated with the pituitary gland.
- Sahasrara – Associated with the pineal gland.
For this reason, since ancient times, the seven chakras have been used as a resource within energy medicine, according to which it is suggested that they can help improve specific ailments and health problems.
What does science say regarding the chakras?
There is little scientific evidence to confirm or deny the effectiveness of therapies based on the seven chakras. However, there are some investigations carried out in this regard; These include the following:
- An investigation published in Global Advances in Health and Medicine indicates insufficient solid evidence to ensure that the chakras are useful against diseases. However, they are considered to be related to the body’s endocrine system.
- In a small clinical study, a group of glaucoma patients, who had not achieved improvement, had their chakras measured and started energy replacement treatment. In all cases, there was a drop in intraocular pressure after treatment.
- Another study sought to analyze the effect of meditation for energy on hemodynamic parameters, observing that this positively impacts the cardiovascular system, so it can be used to prevent heart disease.
- A similar conclusion was reached by an investigation with cancer patients, in which cures were observed, even without any treatment traditionally applied in Western medicine, suggesting that this may be a path for the prevention and treatment of cancer.
However, in most of these studies, tiny groups were used, so more research is still needed on the benefits of the chakras and determining if this type of therapy helps fight diseases through the energy generated, At those points.
Seven Chakras to promote well-being
Despite the lack of evidence, the seven chakras stand out in alternative medicine as an adjuvant against problems related to different organs.
In this sense, they are considered a resource of oriental medicine to promote well-being and health. It is often combined with other healthy therapies such as yoga, quartz baths, and deep breathing exercises.
Of course, to learn more about its benefits and practice, it is advisable to seek the guidance of an expert. Similarly, chakra-based therapies are best considered as an adjunct rather than first-line treatment.